Week Of Budget Dinners

This week is a tight week for us, but we are used to having to become creative with our menu.  Sure, we might not have a roast any night this week, but what we are planning is family friendly, quick to prepare and easy on the wallet.

Please note, we always leave a couple nights open.  Friday is ALWAYS pizza night and we have one night open for when we work late or we are at after school school activities late or just plain tired.  On those nights we often will grab cereal or make pancakes.

Sunday
Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches (marinate chicken breasts in teriyaki marinade and grill with sliced pineapple)
French Fries
Salad

Monday
Crockpot Pizza 
Salad

Tuesday
My own Blue Cheese & Roast Beef Sandwiches
Red Cabbage Slaw

Wednesday
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup
Grilled Cheeses

Enjoy!!!!

Reflections on the First Day of School 2013

Welcome Back to School!

(why do I feel like we just left?)

2nd, 5th and 6th graders!

How do I explain my feelings today?  Such a jumble of excitement, nervousness, wistfulness, happiness and a tremendous feeling of pride.  I love summer, loved the time we spent together, the way I saw them on their own (away from school influences), the new adventures they had and the bonding with each other as the days rolled by.  I know it can't last forever, but as the kids get older - I find every year to be a more bittersweet experience.  I don't necessarily want them to be small forever, but seeing these little people...these YOUNG grown-up looking kids is freaking me out a little. I just want to take this moment to share with them what their Momma thinks:

Zoe, you are my little spark plug.  My sweet, feisty, contradictory, absurdly adorable spitfire/sweetheart.  You can be so needy at times and fiercely independent at others.  You, my dear, have spirit that the wild Mustangs of the plains would be envious of.  You are smart, love class, hate homework with a passion second only to mine and are just...amazing.  I love the way you skip everywhere when you are happy, hair bouncing back and forth.  You were so sweetly shy this morning...very unlike you.  As soon as you walked into your new room and saw your desk with your name on it, your confident smile said it all for me.  I knew you would be ok.  My wish for you this year is to be able to thrive in a new class with new friends and find a subject that enthralls you and becomes your passion.  As always...I am so proud of you and I love you.

New desk = new smile!

Abby, you amaze me more and more each day.  There is almost nothing you try that you don't become pretty good at, pretty fast.  That is because you have a determined spirit.  You commit whole heartedly and always give your best.  I love that part of you so much.  But, as much as I love that....I need you to recognize that it's ok to not give 110% to every piece of homework/classwork that comes your way.  Don't worry about it!  Find the magical place in the middle where homework gets done and you still have fun-time.  

You are a role model for your peers, you try to include everyone, you don't like hearing gossip and you always try to get your friends to work it out.  You believe in doing what's right, even when it is not easy and I want you to never forget that.  If doing what is right was easy, everyone would do it!  Your kindness makes you unbelievably special.  You make Momma want to be a better and kinder person.  This year, I hope you are challenged and can feel the accomplishment that comes with winning it.  I love you.  You have big hopes, and I wish that you get every one!  Dream big!

First in line!  Sooo not surprised

Dominic, being the oldest, you are becoming more and more independent with your life at school.  You race ahead of us to school so you can not be seen with your parents (gasp!).  That's ok, I secretly keep my eye on you while you walk around with your friends.  6th grade is a big deal!  I get that, but I will still hold your hand whenever you forget to be "cool".  I will still let you come and snuggle in my lap on early weekend mornings and try not complain about the 100lb lap-kid numbing my lower body.  And since I am the only person you will kiss at bedtime, I will cherish those still too.  Just remember, you are growing up, but you still have lots to learn.  Learning those things from the kids on the playground might not be the best resource for you.  Please remember Momma and Daddy are still here, ready to listen and always ready to talk with you.
Your spirit is sensitive, yet strong.  My wish for you this year is that you find a way to make new friends, keep old friends and are able to drop kids who don't fit into either category.  Life is too short to spend energy on people who are mean, talk down to you or boss you around.  Keep strong, love God and do your best.  I love you.

Confident 6th grader!